foodie – Tourisme Montréal Bloghttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog
Fri, 09 Dec 2016 19:47:32 +0000en-UShourly1Festival YUL EAT is back in Montréal this labour day weekendhttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/festival-yul-eat/
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/festival-yul-eat/#respondFri, 19 Aug 2016 18:21:58 +0000http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/?p=122152The third edition of Festival YUL EAT is coming back to Quai de l’Horloge in Old Montréal on Labour Day weekend (September 3, 4 and 5). After last year’s very successful edition, this year’s chapter promises to be even better and more delicious. Free admission tickets will give festivalgoers access to the main site at the Old Port’s Clock Tower Quay where many food trucks will be parked to feed the hungry crowds. The full schedule hasn’t been revealed yet, so keep checking the YULEAT website for details. The YULEAT Festival will also include several other experiences, which we’ve detailed here below. YUL EAT Experience Festivalgoers who purchase tickets to the YUL EAT Experience will have access to a private zone where talented chefs and industry experts, winemakers and local artisans will be presiding over workshops and demos, food stands and wine and spirit tastings. Many industry experts such as chef and TV star Martin Juneau, pastry chef extraordinaire Patrice Demers, chefs Marc-André Jetté, Danny St-Pierre, oyster connoisseur Daniel Notkins and many more will be participants in this portion of the festival. Festivalgoers will also be able to attend some roundtables on some interesting topics pertaining to the culinary industry,... / Read More →

]]>The third edition of FestivalYUL EAT is coming back to Quai de l’Horloge in Old Montréal on Labour Day weekend (September 3, 4 and 5). After last year’s very successful edition, this year’s chapter promises to be even better and more delicious.

Free admission tickets will give festivalgoers access to the main site at the Old Port’s Clock Tower Quay where many food trucks will be parked to feed the hungry crowds. The full schedule hasn’t been revealed yet, so keep checking the YULEAT website for details.

The YULEAT Festival will also include several other experiences, which we’ve detailed here below.

Festivalgoers who purchase tickets to the YUL EAT Experience will have access to a private zone where talented chefs and industry experts, winemakers and local artisans will be presiding over workshops and demos, food stands and wine and spirit tastings.

Many industry experts such as chef and TV star Martin Juneau, pastry chef extraordinaire Patrice Demers, chefs Marc-André Jetté, Danny St-Pierre, oyster connoisseur Daniel Notkins and many more will be participants in this portion of the festival. Festivalgoers will also be able to attend some roundtables on some interesting topics pertaining to the culinary industry, which makes this speaker series interesting to industry professionals as well as amateur food lovers. Chefs, producers and members of the media will discuss topics such as the challenges of running a restaurant and a discussion on local agriculture.

A latte art challenge will also be taking place over the weekend. Festivalgoers will be able to watch ten specialists face a jury of experts and compete for the champion title.

Schedule:

2 pm – 8 pm Saturday, Sunday & Monday

For more information and to buy tickets to this portion of the festival, head over here.

The dinner series will start with a locavore evening on Saturday night starring the best of Quebec produce. Chefs Stelio Perombelon, John Winter Russell, Antonin Mousseau-Rivard, Martin Juneau and pastry chef Stéphanie Labelle will cooperate in the creation of a multiple-course dinner that promises to be memorable.

The Sunday night dinner will get its inspiration from an Italian family supper. Montreal’s best Italian chefs Michele Forgione, David Pellizzari, Ricardo Bertolino will partner up with Toronto’s Basilio Pesce, New York’s Nate Apelman and California’s Evan Funke to create the ultimate Italian gastronomic experience.

Note that both dinners listed above will include a food and wine pairing. Click here for details.

Festival YUL EAT will also include culinary classes and workshops on all three days. Everything from bread making, beekeeping, the art of wine tasting, cocktail or preserve making, the intricacies of Italian, Spanish or Turkish cuisines and so many more classes are all part of the roster no matter what you’d like to perfect and learn more about. These classes are all given by top experts in their fields and promise to be both entertaining and informative.

]]>http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/festival-yul-eat/feed/0Montréal’s best hotel restaurantshttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/montreals-best-hotel-restaurants/
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/montreals-best-hotel-restaurants/#respondTue, 19 Jul 2016 14:25:56 +0000http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/?p=88967With thousands of options, getting a taste of Montreal’s restaurant scene can take some precise logistical planning. Luckily if you’re visiting Montreal, your gastronomic journey’s starting point can start closer than you realize. Some of Montreal’s great chefs helm the kitchens of the city’s finest luxury and boutique hotels. These restaurants highlight some of city’s creative culinary teams and are frequented and appreciated by visitors and locals alike. E.A.T (Être Avec Toi) Located in the trendy W Hotel (also home to Plateau Lounge and Wunderbar) E.A.T is amalgamation of restaurant and art gallery. Edgy murals and commissioned canvas pieces by local artists adorn the walls of the space. Headed by Executive Chef Sébastien Giannini, the menu is heavy on seafood that features, multi-tiered seafood towers, shellfish on ice, catch of the day specialties as well as local and seasonal dishes. W Hotel – 901 Square-Victoria (514 395-3180) Laurie Raphaël Discover the wonders of Quebec terroir cuisine at Laurie Raphaël brought to you by Chef Daniel Vézina. Chef Vézina (radio and television host, author, and philanthropist) and team executes his contemporary style of cuisine characterized by an emphasis on local products and regional flavours. Hotel Le Germain – 2050 Mansfield Street... / Read More →

With thousands of options, getting a taste of Montreal’s restaurant scene can take some precise logistical planning. Luckily if you’re visiting Montreal, your gastronomic journey’s starting point can start closer than you realize. Some of Montreal’s great chefs helm the kitchens of the city’s finest luxury and boutique hotels. These restaurants highlight some of city’s creative culinary teams and are frequented and appreciated by visitors and locals alike.

Located in the trendy W Hotel (also home to Plateau Lounge and Wunderbar) E.A.T is amalgamation of restaurant and art gallery. Edgy murals and commissioned canvas pieces by local artists adorn the walls of the space. Headed by Executive Chef Sébastien Giannini, the menu is heavy on seafood that features, multi-tiered seafood towers, shellfish on ice, catch of the day specialties as well as local and seasonal dishes.

Discover the wonders of Quebec terroir cuisine at Laurie Raphaël brought to you by Chef Daniel Vézina. Chef Vézina (radio and television host, author, and philanthropist) and team executes his contemporary style of cuisine characterized by an emphasis on local products and regional flavours.

Branzino’s philosophy of a great dining experience is a simple of equation of food, atmosphere and service – a balance of which the team at Branzino is proud to exemplify. Their menu is creative and unpretentious and is complimented by their casual but refined atmosphere.

Chef Mathieu Saunier’s menu allows you to discover local Quebec products enhanced with the flavours of his native Provence. Much of the produce and organic ingredients on the menu are harvested from Osco!’s own roof-top garden. Located right next to Osco! is Montreal’s premiere absinthe bar, Sarah B. Sarah B invites you to sample the once outlawed spirit in the plush space that features nooks and secret alcoves to enjoy the ritual of absinthe as well as a fantastic bar menu of small bites and hors d’oeuvres.

Kyo boasts an izakaya themed menu and an extensive –and probably the city’s biggest – sake list of over 30 options. With tapas style dishes, Kyo offers a little bit of everything from different styles of Asian cuisine with a deft Japanese sophistication; from sushi and nigiri to chicken yakitori and hamachi bibimbap, Chef Ding and crew will not let you leave hungry.

Also located in the Hotel Place d’Armes, Suite 701 is a popular spot for locals and visitors for happy hour drinks as well as boozey Sunday brunches that feature a live DJ spinning tunes to knock the cobwebs out of your head.

Located in the heart of Chinatown Chez Chine serves Cantonese dishes as well as traditional dim sum. The restaurant is located in the atrium and overlooks a live indoor koi pond. Book the table in the pagoda for a unique dining experience.

Let the next class of hospitality professionals serve you today. Located in the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec, this teaching restaurant and hotel is where students garner experience to graduate as top industry professionals. Keep an eye out for their creative and inspired menu items, who knows, they may be featured at the next up and coming restaurant.

Chef Paul Little is a Montreal restaurant scene veteran and has been executive chef at Gazette for the last seven years. His menu promotes the terroir farm-to-table slow food movement and features ingredients sourced from local farms which they proudly list on their official website.

The rustic menu at La Coupole Bistro Laurentien features products from local artisans from all over Québec. Their whimsical blackboard on the wall identifies what part of the province the produce in your meal is sourced from. Their wine list features 25 locally made wines perfect to complete a terroir dining experience.

Discover the tastes and flavours of the Far East with a Western twist at the Renaissance Montréal Downtown hotel’s restaurant, East. In an atmosphere reminiscent of Old Shanghai, delight your senses with a Pan-Asian menu that will guarantee to pique your palate for exotic fare. Check out the lobster shu mai or scallop dumplings on their all-day dim sum list, or indulge in the Chinese delicacy Peking duck, served with water chestnuts, bamboo shoots and hoisin sauce.

New from Le Groupe Antonopoulos comes restaurant Maggie Oakes located in the newly minted luxury hotel, William Gray (421 Saint-Vincent Street). Managed by Montréal restaurant scene veteran and former contestant on Top Chef Canada, Derreck Bocking, the menu at Maggie Oakes is described as an “upmarket grill restaurant with a local vegetable focus.” Enjoy an eclectic cocktail list, while taking in the sights and sounds of the roof top terrasse overlooking Place Jacques-Cartier and the scenic Old Port. Named after the the historic building it now occupies – Maison Edward-William-Gray constructed in 1773 – Hotel William Gray is a masterfully crafted juxtaposition intertwining historic charm and modern flourishes in both architecture and design. This property promises to be a destination for casual gatherings and discerning dining.

]]>http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/montreals-best-hotel-restaurants/feed/0Hot! Hot! Hot! African restaurants put sunshine in your platehttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/african-restaurants-montreal/
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/african-restaurants-montreal/#respondMon, 11 Jul 2016 13:33:15 +0000http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/?p=121175Montréal’s African cuisine scene is heating up, with an abundance of warm eateries to thrill our taste buds. From Ethiopia to Senegal, Mauritania to Morocco and Tunisia, here’s the lowdown on some truly mouthwatering specialties and flavours. Whet your appetite with this culinary tour of African food in the heart of the city. Tasted and recommended! WEST AFRICA #brunch #lakhaima #yaaam 👌👌👌 Une photo publiée par la Khaima (@lakhaima) le 27 Févr. 2016 à 8h31 PST Mile-End/Mauritania — La Khaïma “A visit to La Kaima is a genuine taste of the nomadic experience, of savouring time and being in the moment.” That sums it up. This Mauritanian restaurant in Mile End has become one of the city’s most popular African eateries. With a wide, welcoming smile chef Atigh Ould, invites you to try a table d’hôte “under the tent” in the finest desert tradition. Scrumptious seasonal dishes, served on big, inviting plates are devoured with pita bread. Mezzes, comforting soups, spicy tajines and coucous are all there to share. Vegetarians and meat lovers alike will adore this flavourful, cuisine, which makes us dream of exotic lands, created with Québec products, with halal meat and gluten-free options. Be sure to try the... / Read More →

]]>Montréal’s African cuisine scene is heating up, with an abundance of warm eateries to thrill our taste buds. From Ethiopia to Senegal, Mauritania to Morocco and Tunisia, here’s the lowdown on some truly mouthwatering specialties and flavours. Whet your appetite with this culinary tour of African food in the heart of the city. Tasted and recommended!

“A visit to La Kaima is a genuine taste of the nomadic experience, of savouring time and being in the moment.” That sums it up. This Mauritanian restaurant in Mile End has become one of the city’s most popular African eateries. With a wide, welcoming smile chef Atigh Ould, invites you to try a table d’hôte “under the tent” in the finest desert tradition. Scrumptious seasonal dishes, served on big, inviting plates are devoured with pita bread. Mezzes, comforting soups, spicy tajines and coucous are all there to share. Vegetarians and meat lovers alike will adore this flavourful, cuisine, which makes us dream of exotic lands, created with Québec products, with halal meat and gluten-free options. Be sure to try the homemade hibiscus-flower drink. Very refreshing!

Having recently set up shop in Mile Ex for its “diversity and friendly community”, the restaurant/caterer Diolo serves family-friendly cuisine in a modest and airy décor. Owner Edmond Benoît Sadio, friendly and full of smiles, treats you to the tastes of western Africa with his gourmet Senegalese-inspired dishes. The Yassa grilled chicken, marinated with lemon in a caramelized onion sauce with a mountain of white rice and julienne vegetables is sheer bliss. Super generous, melt-in-your-mouth servings with just the right amount of spicing: we loved it! Equally delicious are the Mafe and the lamb shank confit. In short, this place is a keeper.

Look for the white rhinoceros heads on Mont-Royal Avenue. Be forewarned: you’re entering Tunisian territory. At the counter, Anis Ghozzi, co-owner, manages things with a firm hand. He’s gruff, fiery and friendly: in other words, a character! A combination café/restaurant/artist hangout, Kahwa Café serves up authentic Tunisian couscous, topped with merguez, chicken or tender vegetables. It’s a classic that’s copious and affordable. During the day, the place is packed with self-employed workers and students, but regulars also include the gang from the Coucous Comedy Show and many other well-known artists. Expect to hear bursts of laughter and subtle, or not-so-subtle, jokes being cracked. A lively and truly friendly ambiance!

Tucked cozily on the corner of Bernard Jeanne-Mance Streets in the heart of Mile-End is La cuisine d’Izza. The immaculate white and Majorelle blue décor, typical of Morocco, conveys a very modern and Montréal ambiance. And there’s a sweet spot: a big terrasse where you can soak up the sun or hide in the shade of the vined trellis. Go there for the Shackhuka tajine and Kefta: two poached eggs in a labneh and spicy tomato sauce, the ground-beef-and-clove-stuffed Moroccan cigars and, of course, Moroccan couscous, flavoured with caramelized onions, raisins and prunes, accompanied by an artichoke humus and meat, if so desired. The green mint tea, served traditionally in a magnificent teapot and beautifully engraved Moroccan glasses add a wonderful touch to this sumptuous meal.

East Africa has a lot going for it. To be honest, we’ll pass on the décor, which sort of reminds us of Amsterdam’s Red Light District and the entrance, which is a little scary, and concentrate instead on what’s happening on the plate. Incredible, delicious Ethiopian flavours that sweep you off your feet. While it’s off the beaten track, we say it’s totally worth it! And it’s an absolute go-to for people who love spicy food. The owner, a jocular and talkative type, tells us we wouldn’t be able to handle even a spoonful of “normal” Ethiopian food. He might be right, but we still leave there thrilled to have tried the spiced-down version of Ye Sigga Alicha, a mix of tender and lean ground beef, green peppers, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, tumeric and other spices. Everything is wrapped in injera, an Ethiopian flat bread made from teff flour that looks like a giant crepe. I’m still thinking about it!

Le Nil bleu is a superb blend of festive and kitsch, which is exactly why we love it. Its interior consists of classic white tablecloths, zebra striped chairs, a cascading water wall and African art on the walls or in sculptures. You feel like you’re on a set. Once we’re settled in on its comfy banquette seating, we sample beautifully presented Ethiopian dishes: vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free off a somewhat pricey menu. We really enjoyed the vegetarian options, particularly the four-dish sampler. The Yatakelt Watt, a mix of potatoes, carrots and cooked cabbage in a lightly spiced sauce is the big winner, as is the Gommen, a mix of spinach sautéed with onion, garlic and green peppers. We dug in and dipped with the famous injera bread, rolled in a dozen pieces. Delicious!

]]>http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/african-restaurants-montreal/feed/019 MTL à TABLE Photos That Will Make You Jealous & Hungryhttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/19-mtl-a-table-photos-that-will-make-you-jealous-hungry/
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/19-mtl-a-table-photos-that-will-make-you-jealous-hungry/#commentsMon, 10 Nov 2014 21:30:59 +0000http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/?p=93047Montreal’s restaurant week MTL à TABLE was a resounding success once again. People from all over gathered with friends and family to eat incredible food, drink fine French wine, and of course take Instagrams with the #MTLaTABLE hashtag. Take a look at some of the most scrumptious looking dishes from the foodie festival… Duck heart tartare with perigord oil and French shallots at Chez Chose. (Photo by brendamontreal) Pork cheeks sure to make you smile at Chez Ma Grosse Truie Chérie. (Photo by elysechagnon) Mini bombas at Tapas 24 on Notre-Dame. (Photo by tapas24mtl) Divine sweets at Peruvian canteen Callao on Laurier. (Photo by joellepaquette) Fresh roasted cod in a green pea stew at Tavern F (Photo by eatwitheva) A fresh beet salad at Evoo on Notre-Dame Street. (Photo by melboudreau) A visual feast of tuna tataki at Imadake on Saint-Catherine Street. (Photo by abiteofmtl) Scallops and blood sausage with green pea purée and red apple from Le Castillon in the Hilton Bonaventure Hotel. (Photo by vitogenesis) Raspberry and rosemary dessert at Bistro Apollo. (Photo by maryjane1407) A salmon brunch at Grenouille on Mont-Royal Avenue. (Photo by mocali) Declared the best dish of the night at Ikanos: Scallops with foiegras shaving, brussels sprouts, apple, parsley root purée and hazelnut... / Read More →

Montreal’s restaurant week MTL à TABLE was a resounding success once again. People from all over gathered with friends and family to eat incredible food, drink fine French wine, and of course take Instagrams with the #MTLaTABLE hashtag. Take a look at some of the most scrumptious looking dishes from the foodie festival…

]]>http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/19-mtl-a-table-photos-that-will-make-you-jealous-hungry/feed/2Things to do in Montreal for American Thanksgivinghttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/things-to-do-in-montreal-for-american-thanksgiving/
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/things-to-do-in-montreal-for-american-thanksgiving/#respondWed, 05 Nov 2014 19:53:12 +0000http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/?p=92270According to historical lore, that very first Thanksgiving, celebrated by the English Pilgrims at Plymouth in 1621 following a successful harvest, was said to have lasted three days. Roughly the same amount of time any visiting American cousins could have at their disposal while exploring Montreal’s bounty this upcoming U.S. Thanksgiving holiday long weekend, which begins with Thanksgiving itself on Thursday, November 27… Speaking of bounties, if Montreal has a bounteous supply of anything worth giving thanks for, it’s top-tier (and not necessarily top-price) dining options. Every neighbourhood has its signature dining institutions, from Villeray’s Spanish tapas–inspired Tapeo Bar à Tapas, to downtown’s beautifully appointed Maison du Jazz (southern-style BBQ and live music in a spectacular setting), to Westmount’s Miso Restaurant (sushi and Asian Fusion), to the historic Magnan’s Restaurant and Tavern in Pointe-St-Charles. A staple of steak lovers for 82 years, Magnan’s will close its doors for good on Dec. 21, a victim of changing times, so join Montrealers in giving one last round of thanks to this meaty Montreal institution. This is only the tip of the tip of gastronomic options available to you and yours this holiday season, and should you happen to be travelling in a... / Read More →

According to historical lore, that very first Thanksgiving, celebrated by the English Pilgrims at Plymouth in 1621 following a successful harvest, was said to have lasted three days. Roughly the same amount of time any visiting American cousins could have at their disposal while exploring Montreal’s bounty this upcoming U.S. Thanksgiving holiday long weekend, which begins with Thanksgiving itself on Thursday, November 27…

Speaking of bounties, if Montreal has a bounteous supply of anything worth giving thanks for, it’s top-tier (and not necessarily top-price) dining options. Every neighbourhood has its signature dining institutions, from Villeray’s Spanish tapas–inspired Tapeo Bar à Tapas, to downtown’s beautifully appointed Maison du Jazz (southern-style BBQ and live music in a spectacular setting), to Westmount’s Miso Restaurant (sushi and Asian Fusion), to the historic Magnan’s Restaurant and Tavern in Pointe-St-Charles. A staple of steak lovers for 82 years, Magnan’s will close its doors for good on Dec. 21, a victim of changing times, so join Montrealers in giving one last round of thanks to this meaty Montreal institution.

This is only the tip of the tip of gastronomic options available to you and yours this holiday season, and should you happen to be travelling in a group, there are also no shortage of great options for gang-style grazing at some of Montreal’s hottest culinary stops in Old Montreal and along bustling and vibrant St-Laurent Blvd.

If great food on the fly whilst shopping on boutique-lined Ste-Catherine Street is more to your taste, Le Faubourg Sainte-Catherine, a re-purposed, multi-level market-style space reminiscent of Boston’s Faneuil Hall, has a big and bright food court with over 20 restos offering international cuisine, as well as even more boutiques for those who wish to keep the shopping streak going.

And, of course, the shopping rivals the eating in Montreal in terms of quality and options. The newest kid on the shopping block is Montreal’s very own, freshly opened Premium Outlets franchise, the first in Quebec (in the nearby town of Mirabel, just northwest of Montreal) and only the second in Canada. Premium Outlets are internationally renowned for their immense collections of top designer brands at deeply discounted prices in a unique setting.

For those drawn to homegrown fashion, accessories and other locally produced products, Espace Mix Rachel – located in Montreal’s trendy Plateau Mt-Royal neighbourhood – is a retail chain specializing in men’s and women’s outerwear fashion and accessories. As a means of encouraging and supporting local producers and designers, Espace Mix Rachel sells only Quebec-designed clothing, such as the statement-making Rudsak line of men’s and women’s coats, shoes and accessories by Montreal designer Evik Asatoorian. A Montreal fashion success story, an even fuller range of versatile and distinct Rudsak products (clothes, bags, kids coats and more) is available at each of the chain’s five locations citywide.

For those wanting to get a head-start on Christmas, and are looking for original, memorable or perhaps even off-the-beaten path gift ideas, the beautifully designed, stone-walled Galerie d’art LOFT in Old Montreal (a work of art in and of itself) has an expansive collection of original works by renowned contemporary artists. Just a few doors over you can find Souvenirs Neil, a unique gift boutique offering a vast collection of Inuit sculptures as well as moccasins, masks, maple sweets and other souvenirs. And for something truly novel, The Flag Shop, near Montreal’s St-Henri neighbourhood just west of downtown, specializes in custom made flags (and their accessories) and banners for every taste and use. They also have a wide selection of pre-made flags, car flags, badges and Quebec pins, which may be a lasting way to remember your Thanksgiving weekend in Montreal.

]]>http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/things-to-do-in-montreal-for-american-thanksgiving/feed/0VIDEO: Bite Into Montréal’s Food Scenehttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/video-bite-into-montreals-food-scene/
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/video-bite-into-montreals-food-scene/#respondTue, 28 Oct 2014 20:22:44 +0000http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/?p=90085Gastronomy is the art of choosing, cooking and eating good food. In Montreal, it’s not just a fancy word, it’s a way of life! Restaurants line almost any given street, all enjoying the healthy competition as they each try to raise the culinary bar. There’s also seasonal Food Trucks that gather in areas of the city. Calling them “Food Trucks” though hardly does them justice, they’re practically mobile restaurants! Montreal’s eclectic food scene can take you to the far corners of the globe with exotic dishes, or back in time with historic Quebecois delicacies. MTL à TABLE is Montréal’s incredible restaurant week from October 31 – November 9; it features 140 top restaurants with special tasting menus of either $19, $29, or $39 along with select French wine pairings. Make your reservation today! THE DETAILS MTL à TABLE, October 30 – November 9, 2014 MTL à TABLE is powered by the SAQ, Mastercard by National Bank & ESKA. Treat yourself during MTL à TABLE, Montreal’s Restaurant Week, by taking advantage of a delicious special limited time Montreal Gourmand offer!

Gastronomy is the art of choosing, cooking and eating good food. In Montreal, it’s not just a fancy word, it’s a way of life! Restaurants line almost any given street, all enjoying the healthy competition as they each try to raise the culinary bar. There’s also seasonal Food Trucks that gather in areas of the city. Calling them “Food Trucks” though hardly does them justice, they’re practically mobile restaurants! Montreal’s eclectic food scene can take you to the far corners of the globe with exotic dishes, or back in time with historic Quebecois delicacies. MTL à TABLE is Montréal’s incredible restaurant week from October 31 – November 9; it features 140 top restaurants with special tasting menus of either $19, $29, or $39 along with select French wine pairings. Make your reservation today!

]]>http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/video-bite-into-montreals-food-scene/feed/0Things to do this fall in Montrealhttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/things-to-do-this-fall-in-montreal/
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/things-to-do-this-fall-in-montreal/#respondWed, 01 Oct 2014 19:42:50 +0000http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/?p=85977A veritable feast of seasonal events and activities make the fall in Montreal as vibrant as the colours on the slopes of Mount-Royal, whose already spectacular vistas and views take on an extra sensory resonance at this time of the year. But before heading there, there are some other essential stops along the way… Built over 300 years ago, and the first building in Quebec to be designed a historical monument, The Château Ramezay honours the present as well as the past with its many activities for the whole family, including its Pick a Peck of Pumpkins free outdoor exhibition. But the pumpkin isn’t the only star here: until Nov. 2, the public is invited to immerse themselves in the versatile world of the squash family, with tours designed for the kids and tastings of unusual squashes – fancy a Hungarian blue? – for the adults every Sunday in October from 1-4 pm. And Montreal’s Space for Life (which brings together four of Montreal’s principle science and learning institutions – the Biodôme, Insectarium, Botanical Gardens and Planetarium – under one experiential umbrella) is getting in on all the squashy action as well with their Squash Kiosk. Situated in the Botanical... / Read More →

A veritable feast of seasonal events and activities make the fall in Montreal as vibrant as the colours on the slopes of Mount-Royal, whose already spectacular vistas and views take on an extra sensory resonance at this time of the year. But before heading there, there are some other essential stops along the way…

Built over 300 years ago, and the first building in Quebec to be designed a historical monument, The Château Ramezay honours the present as well as the past with its many activities for the whole family, including its Pick a Peck of Pumpkins free outdoor exhibition. But the pumpkin isn’t the only star here: until Nov. 2, the public is invited to immerse themselves in the versatile world of the squash family, with tours designed for the kids and tastings of unusual squashes – fancy a Hungarian blue? – for the adults every Sunday in October from 1-4 pm.

And Montreal’s Space for Life (which brings together four of Montreal’s principle science and learning institutions – the Biodôme, Insectarium, Botanical Gardens and Planetarium – under one experiential umbrella) is getting in on all the squashy action as well with their Squash Kiosk. Situated in the Botanical Garden, an on-site squash specialist can tell you everything you need to know about some 50-odd varieties of squashes and gourds. While there, be sure to take the kids – or the kid in you – to The Great Pumpkin Ball featuring more than 800 decorated pumpkins, all part of the Garden’s annual pumpkin decorating contest in the lead-up to Halloween. Both of these events take place daily from Oct. 3-31.

Speaking of Halloween, Six Flags theme park La Ronde (situated on the picturesque Île Ste-Hélène immediately south of downtown Montreal) will once again host their yearly Festival de la Frayeur, or “Fright Festival.” Taking place on weekends from Oct. 4 until Nov. 2, this celebration of scares features four haunted houses, a zombie lounge, dozens and dozens of made-up characters as well as the decidedly less terrifying Ribambelle, who will entertain the little ones with animated performances featuring his singing and dancing pumpkin buddies. And all of this in addition to the over-40 hair-raising rides and attractions that populate the park year-round.

And if it’s a hunger more than a thirst that needs satisfying, from Oct. 30 until Nov. 9, 140 different Montreal restaurants will participate in MTL à TABLE. It’s a 11-day celebration of food with affordable set menus of $19, $29 and $39 at many of the city’s best restos, popular places such as Méchant Bœuf, Helena and L’Assommoir.

All that fortifying food and wine is going to require a walk, which brings us back to Mount-Royal, a place that takes on an even greater flora glory with the arrival of autumn. Among many other events and activities, Les amis de la Montagne (“The Friends of the Mountain”) organize a 7-hour “Three summits of Mount-Royal” walking tour that covers the whole mountain while exploring it through history, ecology, urban planning and architecture. The next walks are on Oct. 5 and 19.

]]>http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/things-to-do-this-fall-in-montreal/feed/0VIDEO: Discover MTL à TABLE – Montreal’s Succulent Restaurant Week!http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/video-discover-mtl-a-table-montreals-succulent-restaurant-week/
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/video-discover-mtl-a-table-montreals-succulent-restaurant-week/#respondThu, 25 Sep 2014 18:13:18 +0000http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/?p=85177If you put all of Montreal’s foodie culture on a single table, it would be a stunning smörgåsbord of different heritages, an eclectic array of flavours, and an exhibition of dishes so gorgeous they could only be described as “edible art.” Our flare for fine food and daring dining is in our DNA; so during MTL à TABLE from October 30 to November 9, locals flock to sample the best culinary creations that boil in the creative minds of Montreal’s chefs. This year all of MTL à TABLE‘s 140 participating restaurants will feature wine pairings from France with their exclusive menus. So loosen your belt a few notches, grab some friends, and make a reservation at a romantic or group-friendly restaurant! MTL à TABLE is powered by the SAQ, Mastercard by National Bank & ESKA. Treat yourself during MTL à TABLE, Montreal’s Restaurant Week, by taking advantage of a delicious special limited time Montreal Gourmand offer!

If you put all of Montreal’s foodie culture on a single table, it would be a stunning smörgåsbord of different heritages, an eclectic array of flavours, and an exhibition of dishes so gorgeous they could only be described as “edible art.” Our flare for fine food and daring dining is in our DNA; so during MTL à TABLE from October 30 to November 9, locals flock to sample the best culinary creations that boil in the creative minds of Montreal’s chefs. This year all of MTL à TABLE‘s 140 participating restaurants will feature wine pairings from France with their exclusive menus. So loosen your belt a few notches, grab some friends, and make a reservation at a romantic or group-friendly restaurant!

MTL à TABLE is powered by the SAQ, Mastercard by National Bank & ESKA.

]]>http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/video-discover-mtl-a-table-montreals-succulent-restaurant-week/feed/0Group-friendly restaurants at MTL à TABLEhttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/group-friendly-restaurants-at-mtl-a-table/
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/group-friendly-restaurants-at-mtl-a-table/#respondWed, 24 Sep 2014 20:34:24 +0000http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/?p=84985The close of October marks the end of harvest season and the beginning of the festive season, when thoughts turn to gathering with groups of friends and family. Starting on Oct. 30, the third edition of MTL à TABLE – a 11-day celebration of the gastronomic arts taking place at 140 Montreal eateries with affordable set menus of $19, $29 and $39 – provides a citywide selection of top-shelf restos for your impending gang hangouts… A staple of both Montrealers and visitors alike, the Méchant Bœuf, situated in the boutique Hôtel Nelligan in the heart of historic Old Montreal, is a natural for MTL à TABLE. Its warm, spacious environs and inviting bar provide the elbow room necessary to spread out and truly enjoy the oyster bar or their spectacular Méchant Burger, which lends significant weight to their claim to having the “best burger in town. ” And, notably, both the oyster bar and the burger are available on their late-night menu starting at 11 pm. Tapas is ideal for friends who want to share and try a little bit of everything, and Helena, also nestled in old Montreal, is without doubt the kind of place where you’ll want to... / Read More →

The close of October marks the end of harvest season and the beginning of the festive season, when thoughts turn to gathering with groups of friends and family. Starting on Oct. 30, the third edition of MTL à TABLE – a 11-day celebration of the gastronomic arts taking place at 140 Montreal eateries with affordable set menus of $19, $29 and $39 – provides a citywide selection of top-shelf restos for your impending gang hangouts…

A staple of both Montrealers and visitors alike, the Méchant Bœuf, situated in the boutique Hôtel Nelligan in the heart of historic Old Montreal, is a natural for MTL à TABLE. Its warm, spacious environs and inviting bar provide the elbow room necessary to spread out and truly enjoy the oyster bar or their spectacular Méchant Burger, which lends significant weight to their claim to having the “best burger in town. ” And, notably, both the oyster bar and the burger are available on their late-night menu starting at 11 pm.

Tapas is ideal for friends who want to share and try a little bit of everything, and Helena, also nestled in old Montreal, is without doubt the kind of place where you’ll want to try everything. Run by chef Helena Loureiro – also the proprietor of the popular Portus Calle on St-Laurent Blvd. – the tastefully appointed resto features an expansive wine list (more than 100 wines from Portugal) as well as a colourful menu ranging from traditional tapas favourites to signature Loureiro creations.

Especially popular with the post-work crowd, L’Assommoir is one of those rare places where having great food and a great time isn’t a mutually exclusive proposition. The relaxed and convivial ambience complements the roster of 250 cocktails (servers can list the ingredients for each by heart) and an equally impressive international cuisine menu that world travels through tartars, ceviches, tapas, grilled selections and more.

The long wooden tables and scattering of couches at Les Éclusiers par Apollo, located in a repurposed lock-house on the edge of the Lachine Canal which offers exceptional views of the Old Port, practically screams group outing. Les Éclusiers offers an impressive wine list, signature cocktails and a seasonally inspired menu featuring innovative creations by award-winning chef Giovanni Apollo.

Classic, perenially popular Montreal hotspots Buonanotte and Restaurant Globe, are situated across the street from each other on St. Laurent Blvd., and typically, comfortably host large groups of hungry celebrants. Globe stakes it reputation on innovative, market-fresh international cuisine while Buonanotte boasts imaginative, upscale Italian fare. Both are also notable for the many celebrities – and their friends – often sighted there.

MTL à TABLE is powered by the SAQ, Mastercard by National Bank & ESKA.

Photos credit: Héléna, L’Assomoir, Susan Moss, Susan Moss

National Bank is rewarding food-loving personalities with its Let’s Eat contest. Sign up for a World MasterCard credit card and you could win one of five $200 gift cards redeemable at selected participating MTL à TABLE restaurants. Even better, if you sign up during MTL à TABLE, you’ll get 22,000 welcome points! If you already have a National Bank MasterCard credit card, you’ll be happy to know that you can double and even quadruple your reward points during MTL à TABLE and the entire month of November!

]]>http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/group-friendly-restaurants-at-mtl-a-table/feed/0Some of MTL à TABLE’s most romantic restaurantshttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/some-of-mtl-a-table-most-romantic-restaurants/
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/some-of-mtl-a-table-most-romantic-restaurants/#commentsTue, 23 Sep 2014 14:36:14 +0000http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/?p=84618October 30th marks the beginning of the 11-day food extravaganza that is MTL à TABLE, or Montreal’s restaurant week. 140 restaurants are participating in this third edition and will be offering food lovers 3-course set menus at $19, $29 or $39. It is a great opportunity to revisit some favourite spots or discover new ones at very reasonable prices. If you like going on culinary discoveries with your better half, this list of MTL à TABLE’s most romantic restaurants will come in handy… Tapas24: 420 Notre-Dame West, 514-849-4424 What could be more romantic than sharing a few tapas with your better half? It’s the perfect way to spend a caliente evening with your romantic interest, especially knowing that Barcelona-based celebrity chef Carles Abellan is at the helm of these sharp new digs in the heart of Old Montreal. Callao: 114 Laurier Avenue West, 514-227-8712 Like a true work of art, Callao’s original and unique plating alone is worth spending an evening at this Peruvian restaurant on chic Laurier Avenue. Named after Peru’s largest fishing port, Callao’s refined “canteen” food includes the best of the country’s offering in a small dining room that is ideal for a romantic date. Auberge Saint-Gabriel: 426... / Read More →

October 30th marks the beginning of the 11-day food extravaganza that is MTL à TABLE, or Montreal’s restaurant week. 140 restaurants are participating in this third edition and will be offering food lovers 3-course set menus at $19, $29 or $39. It is a great opportunity to revisit some favourite spots or discover new ones at very reasonable prices. If you like going on culinary discoveries with your better half, this list of MTL à TABLE’s most romantic restaurants will come in handy…

What could be more romantic than sharing a few tapas with your better half? It’s the perfect way to spend a caliente evening with your romantic interest, especially knowing that Barcelona-based celebrity chef Carles Abellan is at the helm of these sharp new digs in the heart of Old Montreal.

Like a true work of art, Callao’s original and unique plating alone is worth spending an evening at this Peruvian restaurant on chic Laurier Avenue. Named after Peru’s largest fishing port, Callao’s refined “canteen” food includes the best of the country’s offering in a small dining room that is ideal for a romantic date.

Old stone walls and imposing wood-burning fireplaces lend warmth and an unmatched coziness to the dining room of this “oldest inn in North America”, the ideal restaurant for a romantic date. The bistro menu is based on local and seasonal produce. Have a pre-dinner drink in the lobby area and admire the whale skeleton that shoots straight up through the entire height of the place.

Located just beside the Atwater market, EVOO is helmed by Sophie Ouellet and Peter Saunders, two young chefs who offer a fresh take on contemporary French cuisine while borrowing from Irish and Mediterranean cooking. The food is based on local and seasonal ingredients and the wine list consists of carefully selected private imports.

It can’t get more romantic than dining at this new, sharp spot in Little Burgundy that also doubles as one of the best pastry shop in town. If you’re a dessert lover, you’ll dive in with abandon into chef Patrice Demers’ unforgettable desserts. The wine pairings created by sommelière and co-owner Marie-Josée Beaudouin promises to tie everything together masterfully.

White tablecloths, dark wood accents and a luminous and elegant dining room are the background canvas on which the La Chronique refined plates are painted. The cuisine here is modern French market cuisine, or haute cuisine without the stuffiness that usually comes with it. Impeccable service and a great wine list round up one of the best dining experiences in town.

Let the warm spices of this most savoury of cuisines and great Turkish wines lead you on a sensory voyage to the old country via Restaurant Su and chef Fisun Ercan’s authentic recipes. Share a meze or two (small plates served hot or cold and meant to be shared) and indulge in a glass of Turkish wine or raki, an aniseed drink that pairs up wonderfully well with the cuisine.

The old grey stone bank building that houses H4C was lovingly restored to its current contemporary and chic self. The care and refinement that was invested in the design is reflected in chef Dany Bolduc’s cuisine, which is based on fresh, local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. Pick a corner table in the beautiful dining room and enjoy your surrounding, your food and your dinner date.

Just one step inside Laloux’s beautifully decorated dining room will transport you to the heart of Paris. The food here is refined yet not pretentious and the service is old school perfection without being pompous. It’s definitely one of the most romantic restaurants in Montreal.

If you’re looking for a small yet grand restaurant where you can have a quiet dinner while whispering sweet nothings in each other’s ear, Van Horne is just the right place with its bright decor and great art collection. The cuisine here is modern, seasonal and based on local ingredients.